Chapter 550: This Is What You Asked For

Royal family weddings were always accompanied by intricate rituals and numerous formalities. The wedding of the Emperor was, unsurprisingly, even more grand.

Tsukiha Yaiba, as the prospective empress, arrived at the Yamato Palace, the royal residence, a day early to participate in the rehearsal. Yamato Palace served as the sleeping quarters of the royal family. By tradition, entry was strictly prohibited for anyone outside the royal lineage.

However, Emperor Akihito, to demonstrate his connection with the people, announced that the Yamato Palace would be opened to the public the day before the wedding. In addition to the core members of the Tsukiha Family and the other nine major financial conglomerates, access was granted to dozens of carefully selected media outlets.

Li Xiaofei, as Tsukiha Yaiba's personal bodyguard, was naturally permitted entry into the Yamato Palace. The proceedings were both tedious and dull. Li Xiaofei stood quietly to the side, observing everything in silence. Yet, he remained a focal point of attention.

First, his outstanding performance during the recent Martial Arts Arena battles had garnered significant recognition. He had single-handedly defeated numerous quasi-Saints from various financial conglomerates, displaying the strength of a Saint and cementing his status as a rising martial arts star.

Second, rumors had previously spread online suggesting that he was Tsukiha Yaiba's lover and was deeply infatuated with her. This made his presence at the rehearsal exceptionally noteworthy, as many sought clues from his expressions to verify these claims.

Li Xiaofei, however, maintained his composure throughout the matter. He followed all the proceedings like an emotionless automaton. Soon, the wedding rehearsal reached its final stage.

Tsukiha Yaiba and her entourage were guided by a priestess to the deepest part of the Yamato Palace, the Emperor's private chamber. Simply put, it was the room where the bridal chamber festivities would take place the following evening.

The private chamber was named Sun and Moon Palace. It was a Tang-style palace, square and symmetrical, exuding a solemn and majestic aura. The walls were adorned with gold leaf and shimmered with an opulent brilliance.

Furthermore, the palace walls were embedded with intricate formation patterns and enhanced by cutting-edge martial technology force fields. This was the Emperor's sleeping quarters. Sleep was when people were at their most vulnerable.

Even centuries ago, the infamous Cao thief[1] had coined the phrase, "I am best at killing in my dreams," to deter assassins from approaching him while he slept.

In the present day, even though the Emperor himself was a Saint-level powerhouse, the defensive measures of the Sun and Moon Palace had been fortified to the maximum. It was said that the Jiepeng royal family had once proudly declared to the world that even the combined efforts of the Four Saints could not breach the Sun and Moon Palace when its defense system was fully activated.

"You look stunning today," Emperor Akihito appeared, walking over to take Tsukiha Yaiba’s hand. His face was adorned with a warm smile as he spoke with deep affection.

The closer they came to the brink of war, the more essential it became to project the royal family’s warmth and confidence to the public. This wedding served as the perfect symbol for the impending conflict.

"To marry Your Majesty is the lifelong dream of every Jiepeng woman," Tsukiha Yaiba replied, her face sweet and tinged with shyness. "I am the luckiest among them all."

Emperor Akihito’s smile brimmed with confidence. He shared the same belief. He had always regarded himself as the most powerful and most attractive man in the entire empire. Glancing at Shinzu Genshi, who stood nearby, he had to admit the man was an exceptional talent. But how could he possibly compare to him? The lover who had pined for another so desperately would, in the end, still lie beneath him.

"From now on, you will be my empress," Emperor Akihito said with a faint smile. "As a member of the royal family, you will reside in the Yamato Palace. It may feel unfamiliar at first, so I am granting you permission to bring along some of your close companions. For example, you may bring Shinzu Genshi, your personal guard captain, since he is the person closest to you."

Those present stirred slightly upon hearing these words. This was no innocent remark.

Tsukiha Yaiba’s beautiful, noble eyes glanced indifferently to the side as she responded in a lofty tone, "He is merely a servant, hardly someone I consider close. However, since Your Majesty has spoken, everything will proceed as you wish."

She turned to Li Xiaofei, her tone icy as she said, "Did you hear that? Why aren’t you thanking His Majesty immediately?"

Li Xiaofei promptly clasped his hands and bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

In his heart, he sneered.

Considering I almost ruined your empress beyond repair, what's the harm in bowing my head for a moment?

Emperor Akihito nodded faintly. "Having a loyal subject like you by the empress' side puts me at ease. Tomorrow night, I am entrusting you with the duty of guarding the chambers. After all, you are the most trusted, and I have full confidence in your abilities."

Li Xiaofei froze slightly.

Well, well. So he wants me to stand outside and listen in tomorrow night?

It seemed this Emperor of Jiepeng was not as magnanimous as the rumors suggested. He was a petty man at heart.

"I obey," Li Xiaofei bowed his head once more.

The representatives of the major conglomerates and journalists from various media outlets exchanged glances, their eyes filled with pity as they looked at Li Xiaofei.

The wise and great Emperor Akihito had made his intentions unmistakably clear. This was a calculated humiliation aimed at Shinzu Genshi.

By assigning this martial arts prodigy who was deeply in love with Tsukiha Yaiba to guard the chambers from outside during the bridal night, the Emperor delivered a psychological and dignitary blow. This was nothing short of torment for the mind and spirit.

Laughter bubbled in the hearts of those present. The great and benevolent Emperor, it seemed, still harbored the petty jealousy of a man. It was only natural. In fact, this touch of pettiness made the Emperor’s otherwise lofty and flawless image feel more human and relatable.

Soon, the rehearsal came to an end. Li Xiaofei was even invited into the private chambers to inspect the various defensive measures, ostensibly to prepare for tomorrow’s guard duty.

This was the final layer of humiliation. The entire process was broadcast live to a massive number of viewers. The Emperor’s confidence and poise, paired with the prospective Empress Tsukiha Yaiba’s beauty and grace, inspired boundless anticipation among the people of Jiepeng.

The next day, the grand wedding ceremony began as planned. Major powers, countless media outlets, and representatives from the Yiggs Union, the European Independent Nations Alliance, the Africa Alliance, the Bayer Federation, and other major political entities all gathered for the occasion.

There was also a representative from the Star Council. It was none other than Edward, the Vice Speaker of the Star Council. Edward was a staunch Yiggs loyalist and one of the Jiepeng Empire’s most steadfast political allies within the Yiggs Union. He was a true heavyweight figure on the global stage.

The only noticeable absence was a representative from Great Xia. Tensions between the two nations had reached a breaking point. Although war had yet to be officially declared, it was clear to everyone that a conflict between them was inevitable. Even the Star Council appeared disinclined to intervene or mediate.

The wedding ceremony proceeded without a hitch. Hours passed swiftly, and soon, night fell. Once all the rituals concluded, Emperor Akihito and Empress Tsukiha Yaiba retreated to their private chambers.

Li Xiaofei was ordered to stand guard outside the chamber, so he maintained a perfectly upright posture. Meanwhile, everyone else within a one-kilometer radius of the chamber was instructed to withdraw.

The command seemed odd. But it didn’t take long for Li Xiaofei to understand the reason.

"Your Majesty, I toast to you."

"My Empress, you are finally mine."

"Does Your Majesty truly love me?"

"Of course. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I was captivated. I swore in my heart that I would make you my empress. Now that dream has come true... I can hardly wait to make you my woman."

Standing outside the chamber doors, Li Xiaofei could hear the conversation inside with perfect clarity.

What the hell!

This shameless emperor. He had intentionally activated the chamber's sound transmission system, ensuring that Li Xiaofei, who was stationed outside, could hear every detail of the bridal chamber proceedings.

Is this man deranged?

A faint sneer formed on Li Xiaofei's lips.

If you’re going to play like this, then I’ll play along.

The chamber’s full defense system had already been activated. Even if four Saints joined forces, they wouldn’t be able to break into the room. But it was no obstacle for Li Xiaofei.

After all, he had the Spatial Point Theft ability. He activated the portal with a single thought. In the next instant, he appeared inside the chamber.

Tonight, I’m going to NTR[2] you, you shameless Jiepeng emperor.

1. Cao Cao, courtesy name Mengde, was a Chinese statesman, warlord, and poet who rose to power during the end of the Han dynasty, ultimately taking effective control of the Han central government. ☜

2. Netorare: A Japanese term that translates to "to be taken off" or "cuckold". ☜